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TO AMEND SECTION 59-32-30(A), CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SUBJECTS TAUGHT IN THE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM, SO AS TO ADD THE SUBJECT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HEALTHY FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS BEGINNING WITH THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Section 59-32-30 (A) of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"(7) At least one time each year during the years of grades five through eight, each student shall receive instruction on the importance and sanctity of the family relationship which must include, but not be limited to, prevention and deterrence of domestic violence, warning signs of domestic violence and abusive behavior, peaceful dispute resolution, healthy family relationships, personal wellness and safety, positive community involvement, community resources available to victims of domestic violence and mental and emotional health. Each school district shall allow and facilitate an agency or organization approved by the Department of Social Services to operate a domestic violence intervention program to conduct such a program on school premises. Local school districts shall coordinate with such organizations that have the experience and knowledge necessary for the instruction required pursuant to this section emphasizing the importance and sanctity of the family relationship. A school district must adopt a mandatory attendance policy but may provide a waiver for this requirement for a student who is absent on the day the instruction occurred, provided such student is required to attend family relationship instruction before successful completion of the eighth grade. The State Board of Education shall incorporate family relationship training and domestic violence awareness into the South Carolina Health and Safety Education Curriculum Standards and promulgate regulations to implement this Section."
SECTION 2. School districts must comply with the provisions of this act no later than the 2017-2018 school year.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
This web page was last updated on March 4, 2015 at 2:43 PM